Inside the pride.
Pai, Thailand is a village of 10,000 people. Two teen movies based in Pai made the place famous for lover and wannabes among young Asian tourist. Many come and stay, canceling the other legs of their journey to sit in the cafés or the natural hot springs in the area.
There is a sizeable expat community of American, Israeli, English, Australian and Japanese. Some had become 'Squaw Men' married to local women. A few outlaws, tech geniuses and lots of young and old hippies.
Om Garden is a restaurant for the locals for quiet communicating and good food. I was introduced by Willow, the eldest lion to the local pride. Willow was sporting his long white mane pulled back, platted and knotted. His trademark light blue bandana across his temples displayed his Hippie ethos. He said "I have two speeds, slow and stopped. So we arrived early, positioning himself for comfort and the best view.
One by one the younger lions came to the table. Each pulled in close by Willow for a loving embrace. That was his keenest attraction his unapologetic masculine love. The energy filled the restaurant. Willow's comfort, counsel and cajoling in the lions den was legendary.
I sat next to Willow 'jonesing' off the yang energy of masculine mutual respect, and admiration. The exchange of loving hugs and the settled comfort of being was fun to watch up close.
The grey club of cool.
Pai living is about celebrating the 'win' in your life choices. Whether good, bad, outrageous or boring living in Pai makes you feel like you found a slice of heaven and darn lucky.
Then a lean, tall, lion came in sporting the style of another generation. His torn t-shirt boasting a long gone hero but still in popular fashion today. I couldn’t remember a time being so engaged in the way a man strode across the room. Both masculine and feminine elegance in his gait he bounded into the den without a hint of age or weakness. Fecundity was his scent and his eyes surveyed who in the restaurant could smell it. He caught my eye as I sat back and heard myself purring.
His late arrival to the den positioned him only close enough to flirt and catch his scent. I couldn't help smiling and letting my wetness move toward him. Seeing if he or any other of the lions were still able to track my female scent.
Everyone shifted when a knee crossed over an erection and bumped the table. Eyes and hands focused downward making other comfort adjustments. Four out of the six made adjustments. Pretty high percentage from a pack ranging from 43-83.
When the young lions wandered in, each man was welcomed with open arms into the den. The respect of each other penetrated the room and drew the attention of the lone males in the restaurant.
The pride made the chic Pai restaurant into a watering hole for men to rest, laugh, remember and predict. The restaurant owner pleased to see the table of six become eight. With most staying for desserts into the afternoon.
In the two hours, we were there, the eldest lion greeted a dozen men, warming backs with his broad and boney fingers. He encouraged men. Asking about their family and journeys in a way that opened them up to speak honestly, and sincerely.
I smiled often, said little while observing the comfort of the masculine at ease. The joy of old friends congregating together looked like love in the afternoon Pai style.
I would seek out the scent of that One special lion later warmed from his attention. For now the company of loving and warm men was a perfect introduction to becoming Pai-eyed.